Today saw the first of a regular series of ‘When the Floodlights Fade’ talks to the Oxford United scholars and under 23 squad

The idea is to bring in ex-players, athletes from other sports, leaders from business and the military and allow the young players to hear their journey and stories- trying to prepare them for life before, during and after football.

Today’s first session saw ex-Celtic striker Scott McDonald come and spend an hour with the players and staff to talk about a career that has had plenty of ups and downs including being released twice and playing against Barcelona and Milan in the Champions League.

Dan Harris, Academy Manager told us:

“We want to broaden what we are doing because we have a duty to produce good young people as well as good young footballers.

"‘When the Floodlights Fade’ is just a way of introducing people who maybe have that inner strength you need to be successful, and Scott was a fantastic first speaker. We thank him for coming along today and we look forward to another special guest next month.”